Inverness CT V Dundee at Tulloch Caledonian Stadium : Match Preview

12 August 2014 05:31

Dundee United manager Jackie McNamara has called for more of the same ahead of Wednesday night's Scottish Premiership clash with Motherwell at Tannadice.

United began the season with an impressive 3-0 victory away to New Firm rivals Aberdeen as they attempt to improve on last season when they finished fourth in the table.

They go into their match with Stuart McCall's men with confidence high and McNamara wants to see his side continue in a similar vein in front of the home supporters.

McNamara said: "It's about trying to carry on the good work which we did against Aberdeen. It was an excellent start to the season and we would obviously like to continue that when Motherwell come to Tannadice.

"I think the players should have confidence going into this match and rightly so. They did a lot of things right at Pittodrie and that is never an easy place to go for any team.

"So it would be great if we could make a really positive start to the season. That's everyone's aim at this club but we know it will be a difficult game against a very strong Motherwell side."

McNamara has every admiration for Motherwell, who have finished in the top three for three consecutive seasons, but wants his side to focus on doing what they are good at.

"We'll show Motherwell every respect," he said. "They deserve it for what they've achieved in recent seasons.

"But we'll always concentrate on our own team and what we do best. That's the best way and it won't change.

"This is our first home game of the new season and it would be nice to give the fans three points."

United hope winger Gary Mackay-Steven can overcome an ankle injury.

Motherwell's defensive problems have only got worse but manager Stuart McCall hopes to ease them by signing Derby centre-back Mark O'Brien later in the week.

O'Brien is set to join on loan after recovering from an ankle injury he suffered last month.

The 21-year-old has made 35 appearances for Derby but his progress has been hindered by two serious knee injuries.

His arrival will be warmly welcomed as Motherwell will still be without the injured Steven Hammell and Simon Ramsden at Tannadice on Wednesday night, while Fraser Kerr, Zaine Francis-Angol and Craig Reid played in Saturday's 1-0 win over St Mirren despite not having trained for two weeks. To add to their problems, Adam Cummins has suffered a minor strain and is out of the squad.

McCall said: "I think Mark would probably have been with us if he hadn't gone over on his ankle in pre-season.

"He has just been coming back to fitness now, so he's one we are waiting for.

"He started full training now so hopefully at the back end of the week, he will be a player we would like to get in on loan."